The Ever Smiling Buddha

On Oct 2nd 2008 (Gandhi Jayanthi day!) US Senate approved the 'Indo-US Nuclear Deal' by an overwhelming majority (86/100) and also earlier the house of representatives by more than 2/3rd majority. There was strong bi-partisan support for the bill in US; even rival presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, besides a host of heavyweights on both sides of the aisle such as Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, backed the deal on what was a momentous day for the deal. This has paved the way for civilian nuclear cooperation between India and countries around the world.

The context of this bill is very relevant i.e in spite of the hectic and busy discussions that have been engulfing US regarding the 'financial bail out' package and the biggest economic fallout since the 1930's. This signifies the importance 'Uncle Sam' has given to the bill and adds a new dimension to the strategic partnership and foreign policy for both the countries. This bill paves the way for India to get nuclear reactors, fuel and technology not only from US , but also France (already Indo-french deal has been signed) and Russia (when Russian president visits India in December 2008)

It is interesting to look at some of the facts and reality. I think in general, Indians have been welcoming the deal. Naturally Congress party is elated by this and may consider using this as a strong campaign point for them in the next general elections(2009). But I feel this is a personal triumph for Sri Manmohan Singh. He in fact was trying to correct a 'mistake' by his predecessor, the former Indian Prime minister, Smt Indira Gandhi.

In 1974 it was Mrs Gandhi who for 'political gains' gave authorisation to conduct the Pokharan-1 test ('Smiling Buddha'). The scientist's used the CIRUS reactor ("CIRUS" = Canada-India Research U.S.) to produce the plutonium that was a research reactor donated by Canada in 1960, with heavy water supplied by the USA. This led to the formation of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

India never signed Nuclear- Nonproliferation-treaty(NPT), terming it discriminatory (probably true) creating a world of 'Nuclear haves and have nots'; a view that was unacceptable to the other signatories. This has prevented India from obtaining commercial nuclear fuel, nuclear power plant components and services from the international market, thereby forcing India to develop its own fuel, components and services for nuclear power generation. Thus the NSG embargo has had both negative and positive consequences for India's Nuclear Industry. The positive effect for India has been the creation of a large pool of nuclear scientists and engineers who have developed new and unique innovations in the areas of Fast Breeder Reactors and Thorium fuel cycle.

Nuclear power at present supplies only about 3% of India's electricity. By 2050, nuclear power is expected to provide 25% of the country's electricity. India has limited coal and uranium reserves, but has vast Thorium resources; about 1/4th of the world. I hope the government of Kerala (keeping political differences aside) takes a pro-active role in ensuring that the state uses this unique opportunity, as Kerala has a significant reserve of thorium in its coastal areas.

This nuclear deal should help in addressing the needs of energy hungry India in the 21st century. In the future, Dr Manmohan Singh will not only be remembered as the person who started economic reforms in India, but the person who brought India out of Nuclear isolation.

Tail piece: Even though Sri Buddha is smiling on India, another Buddha deserves all the sympathy ie the chief minister of West-Bengal state where TATA (and Nano project) bid 'tata' to the state......